SPORT Saturday 18 May 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Nadal sweeps into Manchester City Italian Open semis target landmark as Federer, Osaka treble amid UEFAA pull out injured probe Al Duhail savour Amir Cup triumph

THE PENINSULA

Al Duhail coach Rui Faria is thrilled to see his struggling side end the football season with a thrilling Amir Cup win over Doha giants Al Sadd on Thursday. Playing in front of 38,678 fans in what was the first ever match played at , Al Duhail rallied from a goal down to beat former champions Al Sadd 4-1. gave Al Sadd an early lead in the 6th minute before equalised for Al Duhail in the 13th minute. In the second half, Edmilson scored in the 58th minute to make it 2-1 and then substitute Youssef El Arabi scored Al Duhail’s third goal in the 61st minute. Edmilson then scored in the 81st minute to complete the scoring. The match saw Al Duhail’s get sent off while Al Sadd’s , Hamed Ismail and also got red cards. “We had key players injured and some absent as well. After reaching the final, we were trying Al Duhail’s players and officials to complete the tough season celebrate with the Amir Cup with a win. I am so happy we won trophy on Thursday. this,” coach Faria said after the match. “We couldn’t do well in the Janoub Stadium and now Al Stars League. We were Duhail’s name is there as the first Bravo named QFA Technical Director always looking to make up for side to win the Amir Cup here. that performance,” the Portu- But I must tell you it was not an We arrived for the guese coach added. easy game by any stretch of the THE PENINSULA ’s success “We arrived for the match imagination. It was a real battle,” match ready to DOHA in delivering quality players is ready to fight. We were well pre- he added. fight. We were well attributed to the plans out in pared. I had confidence in my “When you concede an early prepared. I had Ivan Bravo (pictured) has been place by Bravo for more than a players. I hope this win restores goal like we did against a side like appointed Technical Director of decade. our confidence for the next Al Sadd, things can get tough for confidence in my the Qatar Football Association Prior to joining the Aspire season,” Faria said. you as a team,” Faria said of players. I hope this (QFA), it was announced Academy, Bravo was Director “I know the fans wanted this Akram Afif’s 7th minute strike on win restores our yesterday. of Strategy at Real Madrid CF, trophy and we got it. It is a great Thursday night. confidence for the next Bravo’s latest appointment one of the world’s most accom- joy to be one of the winners of “I give credit to the players comes in the wake of devel- plished sports institutions. this tournament once again,” he for fighting it out. It was a heroic season: Rui Faria oping junior , At Real Madrid, Bravo was said before adding that his side’s performance from them. They who won the Asian Cup earlier in charge of heading the Club’s name will remain in history after were not affected by the Al Duhail players,” the coach said. this year. strategies and initiatives on both the triumph. pressure of playing such a huge “I must say the two teams The Qatar national squad – the business and sports fronts “It was the first match at Al game. It was a brave show by played without fear. It was an that includes a number of Aspire with two main goals: continue attacking game all the way. We Academy players – stunned to lead the industry as the were more focused in the second powerhouses of Asia to become where he overseas the football world’s highest revenue Al Duhail coach half,” he said. “I believe my continental champions in Feb- development incentives for grossing football club and during the Amir players know how to deal with ruary this year. junior players. Bravo has been restructure Real Madrid’s sports Cup final on the pressure of a match like this. Bravo is the Director in Qatar for a number of years practices to return to sports Thursday. “There were more opportu- General of Aspire Academy now. success. nities to score but we could not. We could have won by a bigger margin. Edmilson and Youssef the second successive year. What history by winning the first ever to talk about it. I was sad at my could have scored more goals,” a great effort by everybody in the match played at Al Janoub expulsion from the match but I the coach said. “When we scored team and the management. I was Stadium. We have now won two am happy that we have won the the third goal, I knew we would hoping to play but I couldn’t titles and that too Qatar’s biggest match. I have forgotten every- win the match,” Faria said with recover in time for the match.” football tournament.” When thing. I personally consider this a smile. He added: “Al Duhail have asked about his expulsion from season as historic for me because Edmilson Jr said: “This win proved that they are one of the the match, Ali said: “I do not want I won the Asian Cup with Qatar.” was possible with the support of top sides. It was a great feeling to the players and the team man- play this match at the new Al Al Duhail’s Youssef El Arabi agement. This win is for the fans. Janoub Stadium.” celebrates with the trophy. They supported us all the way.” Al Duhail striker Almoez Ali, Al Duhail’s , who was shown a red card in the who missed the final, said: “It was first half, said: “It was a won- a thrilling win for us in a tough derful performance by the match.We have won this title for players. They have written AMIR CUP FINAL: FACTBOX VENUE: Al Janoub Stadium LINEUPS: Al Sadd: Saad Al Dosari, Tarek Salman, Pedro Miguel, Ab- delkarim Hassan, Gabi, Jung Woo-young (Ali Asad), , Hassan Al- Haydos (Hamed Ismail), Akram Afif, Baghdad Bounedjah Al Duhail: Lecomte Amine, Mohammed Moussa, , Ahmed Yasser, Luiz Mairton, Shoya Nakajima (Youssef El Arabi), , , Edmilson (Hazem Shehata), Almoez Ali, Ali Afif RESULT: Al-Duhail won 4-1 GOALS: Akram Afif 6 Ali Afif 13 Edmilson 58, 81 Youssef El Arabi 61 BOOKINGS: Almoez Ali 18, 28 (Red card) Akram Afif 36 Tarek Salman 55 (Red card) Baghdad Bounedjah 59, 90 (Red card) Hamed Ismail 90 (Red card)

REFEREE: Abdulrahman Al Jassim

SATURDAY 18 MAY 2019 SPORT 17

Vinales fastest Federer, Osaka pull out injured in Le Mans MotoGP practice as Nadal sweeps into semis AFP LE MANS AFP seeded second, advanced to his ROME fourth straight semi-final but has Spaniard Maverick Vinales not managed to go further on compiled the best time in Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka clay this season, ahead of his bid practice for the French MotoGP both pulled out of the Italian for a 12th French Open title at in Le Mans yesterday ahead of Open yesterday before their Roland Garros, starting on May compatriot Marc Marquez and quarter-final matches due to 26. young French star Fabio Quar- injuries just a week before the Tsitsipas beat Nadal in last tararo. start of the French Open, as week’s Madrid Open semi-finals In the morning’s opening defending champion Rafael before falling to Novak Djokovic, session, Quartararo, on a Nadal swept into the last four. but lost to the Spaniard in the Yamaha, recorded the fastest The eight-time champion Australian Open semis earlier time and was the only rider to came through 6-4, 6-0 against this year. lap under 1 minute and 32 compatriot Fernando Verdasco Reigning US and Australian seconds. to set up a rematch with Greek Open champion Osaka had In the afternoon, as the rising star Stefanos Tsitsipas for earlier said she could not weather grew overcast the laps a place in the final. compete because of a problem grew quicker and Vinales, on a Tsitsipas advanced after with her hand. factory Yamaha, and champi- Federer -- returning to clay after “I woke up this morning and onship leader Marquez on a a two-year absence -- retired I couldn’t really move my Honda beat the young French- with a right leg injury before thumb,” the 21-year-old told a man’s earlier time. their game. press conference. The crash by the other “I am not 100 percent phys- “I can’t move my hand. I can’t Honda rider Jorge Lorenzo ically and after consultation with move my thumb and I’m not sure added to evidence that the my team, it was determined that I can play my match. bikes are a little unstable this I not play,” said 37-year-old “I tried to practice and grip year. Federer. my racket and I just felt this pain Alex Rinsl, one point The 32-year-old Nadal, every time I tried to move my behind Marquez in the Switzerland’s Roger Federer wipes his face during his ATP Masters tournament match against Portugal’s hand in different directions.” standings, was only 16th on his Joao Sousa at the Foro Italico in Rome, yesterday. The Japanese star was due to Suzuki while Valentino Rossi, ATP/WTA Italian meet Madrid Open champion who is fourth was 14th after Open and sixth seed Kiki Bertens. I went to Australia,” added “Rome has always been one Japanese sixth seed Kei Nishikori snapping the chain on his Results from the ATP Bertens goes through to meet Osaka, who also retired with a of my favourite cities to visit to reach the semi-finals. Yamaha in the opening session. and WTA Italian Open in either Britain’s Johanna Konta leg injury against Bertens in the and I hope to be back next Schwartzman, 26, won 6-4, The third free practice is at Rome yesterday (x denotes or Czech Marketa WTA Finals last October before year.” 6-2 in 87 minutes in the quarter- 1230 GMT today with qualifying seeding): Vondrousova. going on to win in Melbourne. The 20-time Grand Slam final for his first win in four starting at 1600. Men Quarter-finals “I haven’t seen the doctor “Grand Slams to me are like champion had been on court for meetings with former US Open Diego Schwartzman (ARG) yet. I’ve seen the physio,” she a playground, I have a lot of fun nearly four hours on Thursday, finalist Nishikori. The world bt Kei Nishikori (JPN x6) said. there.” saving two match points to win number 24, a French Open French MotoGP 6-4, 6-2 Stefanos Tsitsipas Osaka said she could stay in Osaka won twice on through in three sets against quarter-finalist last year, has (GRE x8) bt Roger Federer Rome before going on to the Thursday after the previous day’s Borna Coric after earlier easing not dropped a set so far on the Combined times after (SUI x3) -- walkover Rafael French Open, but did not rule out play was rained off, retaining the to a straight sets win over Port- red clay of the Foro Italico and yesterday’s two free Nadal (ESP x2) bt Fernando competing in Roland Garros. world number one spot ahead of gual’s Joao Sousa.The former next faces either the top- practice sessions: Verdasco (ESP) 6-4, 6-0 “I’m going to stay here for the French Open. world number one had been a ranked Djokovic or compatriot 1. Maverick Vinales (ESP/ Yamaha) 1min 31.428sec, 2. Women Quarter-finals one more day and see how it is,” Federer was playing in the late addition to the Rome tour- Juan Martin del Potro. Kiki Bertens (NED x6) bt she said. Italian capital to prepare for his nament as he sought clay-court “It’s not the best result I Marc Marquez (ESP/Honda) Naomi Osaka (JPN x1) -- “I haven’t really talked to return to the French Open for the practice ahead of his bid to add wanted, but I’m getting better at 0.190, 3. Fabio Quartararo walkover Karolina Pliskova everyone so don’t really know first time since 2015. to his lone French Open title every tournament from Bar- (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) 0.285, (CZE x4) bt Victoria Azarenka the plan is yet. I’ve never had this “I am disappointed that I will from 2009. celona and looking forward to 4. Jorge Lorenzo (ESP/ (BLR) 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-2 problem before, it’s brand new.” not be able to compete today,” On court, Argentina’s Diego playing the French,” said Honda) 0.288, 5. Andrea ]“I’m going to take it like how said Federer, Schwartzman dispatched Nishikori. Doviziosio (ITA/Ducati) 0.308, 6. Danilo Petrucci (ITA/Ducati) 0.471, 7. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 0.495, 8. Aleix Espargaro (ESP/ Giro d’Italia: Bilbao wins stage seven Aprilia) 0.704, 9. Takaaki Nagakami AFP also part of the escape lead. I saved something for the L’AQUILA yesterday. final hundred metres, and I Even though Conti’s team- had time to celebrate.” Bilbao Pello Bilbao shook off the other mates Jan Polanc and Diego completed the hilly 180km survivors of a long breakaway Ulissi worked hard at the front stage at an average speed of Visser in the final kilometre into of the peloton, when the gap more than 45 kilometres. The l’Aquila to win yesterday’s reached two minutes with 30 hungry pursuit by the peloton announces seventh stage as Valerio Conti kilometres to go, Rojas was in meant that for all the finishers held on to top spot of the overall the overall lead on the road. But the pace was high all day, a retirement leaderboard at the Giro d’Italia. the relentless pursuit trimmed sharp contrast to the 233km The victory lifted the the gap in the final kilometres. stage on Thursday when the Spanish Astana rider a second Rojas moved up to second, pack took a day off. AFP ahead of race favourite Primoz 1min 32sec behind Conti. “It was racing, racing, racing LONDON Roglic just outside the top 10 of “It was a hard stage, and I for two hours,” said Victor the general standings. was very tired from yesterday,” Campenaerts, a Belgian with Tim Visser is to hang up his “It was a really important Conti said. Lotto-Soudal, who recently set boots at the end of the season, day for me to day,” Bilbao said “I said to myself, ‘Come on, the world hour record. the former winger the 29-year-old. you’re strong,’ and the team “Then it was keeping the announced yesterday. “It’s a long time to claim my helped me through.” breakaway to a two-minute The 31-year-old Nether- first victory in a three-week Even though the gap gap. Yesterday was really long lands-born star -- known as the race,” he added. shrunk, the overall leaders and easy,” he added. Team Astana rider ‘Flying Dutchman’ -- said he Italian Conti of Bahrain- stayed away. Bilbao, who had Roglic’s prospects suffered Spain’s Peio Bilbao was looking forward to a career Merida kept the pink jersey been helped during the a blow when Jumbo-Visma celebrates as he outside the sport. although it was briefly breakaway by Astana team- team-mate Laurens De Plus, crosses the finish Visser enjoyed a successful threatened by Spanish veteran mate Andrey Zeits, slipped away slated to be the Slovenian’s line of stage seven career which saw him score 14 Jose Rojas who was part of the before the end. main helper in the Alps, of the 102nd Giro tries in 33 Test appearances and breakaway. “The final kilometre was a withdrew . d’Italia - Tour of Italy was a prolific try scorer for Rojas, a 33-year-old with long one,” Bilbao said. Saturday’s stage from Tor- - cycle race, 185kms Rugby and latterly Movistar, had finished third in “I didn’t want to go too toreto Lido to Pesaro along the from Vasto to L’Aquila Harlequins, who he joined in the breakaway the previous day hard. I saw I had a five- Italian west coast is the longest yesterday. 2015.“I feel now is the time for that put Conti in pink. Rojas was seconds lead, which is a good in this year’s race at 239km. me to move on to new chal- lenges outside of rugby with my young family,” said Visser in a club statement. “I’m looking forward to Spain keep faith with coach Enrique trying and proving myself in a completely different career.” Spain coach Luis Enrique REUTERS game,” Spain sporting director Spanish’s squad selection process Paul Gustard, Harlequins seen in this file picture. SPAIN Jose Francisco Molina told a news and preparations ahead of the director of rugby, said Visser -- conference. qualifiers. who was a pivotal part of the “He will not be in the training “All the decisions that have team that reached the 2016 The Spanish football federation camp as well as in the next two been made and will be made will European Challenge CUp final (RFEF) yesterday pledged total games. be done by Luis Enrique. Luis in his first season with them -- support to national coach Luis “I’ve seen reports this Enrique has monitored the would be missed. Enrique despite his continued morning. Our commitment to our players, met with us via video “Tim has enjoyed an excep- leave of absence due to personal coach is total and that is what we conference and looked at games,” tional career and he has been reasons. have transmitted to him. I think Moreno said. a fantastic servant over the past Enrique missed the Euro it’s mutual. We hope to have him “This is like the number 10 of three seasons here at Harle- 2020 qualifier win over Malta in for many years in charge. This is your team getting injured and you quins,” said Gustard. March and will be unavailable for a difficult time for him and he has have to react and we want to give “I have thoroughly enjoyed their two qualifiers against Faroe our support and our complete more to repay Luis Enrique’s trust his company and have always Islands and Sweden next month, confidence.” Enrique’s assistant, in us.” Yesterday, Villarreal mid- respected his commitment, leading to reports in Spanish Robert Moreno, who guided Spain fielder earned a attitude and humour since I media that he could be replaced. in their 2-0 win over Malta, will recall to the international stage joined the club last July. “As you can see Luis Enrique continue at the helm. for the first time in four years fol- “He is an immensely valued could not be here for the same Moreno added Enrique lowing a nightmare run of and very popular member of reason he could not be at the last remains very active in the injuries. the squad whom we will miss.” 18 SPORT SATURDAY 18 MAY 2019 Spieth on the march at PGA Championship

AFP some nice putts. Gave myself BETHPAGE, UNITED STATES some good looks at birdies. “I’m going to need to play the Jordan Spieth, trying to complete next two days the way I’ve a career Grand Slam despite a played the first two days.” season of struggles, fired a four- I haven’t been in Johnson could be overtaken atop under par 66 to take the early the rankings by four rivals this clubhouse lead in yesterday’s contention since week -- Koepka, Woods, Justin second round of the PGA Cham- the (British) Open Rose and Rory McIlroy. pionship on five-under par. last year. If I put in Woods, who won his 15th Defending champion Brooks some good work major title last month at the Koepka, who had yet to tee off, Masters to snap an 11-year major still topped the leaderboard on tomorrow I’ll be win drought, was one stroke seven under. in contention on under the cut line with hopes of Spieth, without a top-20 Sunday: Spieth clawing back the gap to Koepka. result this year or a victory since Four-time major winner the 2017 British Open, had a two- McIlroy, another back-nine round total of 135, one shot starter, suffered a nightmare ahead of US compatriots Dustin opening with two double bogeys Johnson and Daniel Berger. around a bogey, but four birdies “Confidence has been there,” in his last six holes for a 71 put Spieth said. him on the provisional cut line “I figured if I stayed out of at 143. New Zealand’s Danny Lee, my own way, stick to one whose opening 64 left him thought, (my game) was in good second to Koepka, battled to a enough shape to contend.” 74. The South Korean-born Kiwi Spieth could become only the was in the first group off the back sixth golfer to win each of the nine and double bogeys at 15 and four majors at least once, joining Jordan Spieth of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the 16 left him six over for the day, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary third hole during the second round of the 2019 PGA Championship at the but four birdies took him into a Player, Gene Sarazen and Ben Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, New York, yesterday. share of sixth on two-under with Hogan. But he doesn’t expect that South Korea’s Kang Sung. to create extra pressure. “Bethpage kicked my ass on “I haven’t been in contention Koepka teed off. He is in a group “You don’t expect Brooks to Spieth, ranked 39th, needs to find as many fairways the back nine,” Lee said. since the (British) Open last year. with Woods and British Open fall at all,” Spieth said. answered with a birdie putt at as DJ or Brooks.” World number “Every single fricking hole on If I put in some good work champion Francesco Molinari, “I felt like I had to be within 17, sank another from 20 feet at one Johnson, whose only major the back nine was super hard. I tomorrow I’ll be in contention who were battling to make the six or seven going into the the first, added another at four title came at the 2016 US Open, didn’t have any other option than on Sunday,” Spieth said. cut after opening 72s. weekend.” and made back-to-back birdies reeled off five birdies in seven suck it up and keep playing.” His “At that point, it will be about The layout at Bethpage Black Back-nine starter Spieth, the at seven and eight to seize holes in one stretch. early wake-up call didn’t help. winning the golf tournament. I teased some hopefuls and tor- 2015 Masters and US Open second. “I’m pleased with the score “It was actually pretty imagine that will take pretty tured others but allowed no one champion, sank a 15-foot birdie “The front nine is a little and pleased with how I played,” brutal,” Lee said. much most of my thoughts. But to match Koepka’s seven-under putt at 11 but made bogeys at 15 more gettable,” Spieth said. said Johnson. “I couldn’t get up early we’ll see.” par 63 course record from and 16 after finding rough and “I need to hit more fairways. “I did a really good job. Hit enough. I should have set up a Spieth’s charge came before Thursday. deep weeds off the tee. Scrambled really well. Ball just the ball well. Drove it good. Made tent on the putting green.”

Bangladesh down Windies to win tri-series Pakistan’s Imam escapes AFP Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim (centre) helped Bangladesh race to the serious injury DUBLIN holds the winner’s trophy as Bangladesh finish line with a sparkling, cricketers celebrate victory after the one-day unbeaten 52. With 27 needed to after painful Bangladesh gave themselves a international Tri-Nation Series final against win from the last three overs, the boost ahead of the World Cup West Indies at the Malahide cricket club, in 23-year-old clubbed Windies blow with victory in the tri-series final Dublin, yesterday. spinner Fabian Allen for three against the West Indies in Dublin sixes and a four in four balls, yesterday, as Soumya Sarkar and reaching his second ODI half- AFP Mosaddek Hossain starred in an century from only 23 NOTTINGHAM excellent chase. deliveries. Openers Shai Hope and Sunil Mahmudullah completed the Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq Ambris both made fifties as the job with a fine drive over the suffered a pre-World Cup Windies reached 154-1 from 24 cover fielders. injury scare after being overs before rain intervened. The West Indies will be struck by That left Bangladesh with a strengthened by the arrivals of paceman Mark Wood tricky total of 210 to win from Chris Gayle and Andre Russell yesterday but scans 24 overs on DLS method when ahead of the World Cup after showed he did not suffer play resumed, but they made Indian Premier League duty, any broken bones. short work of the target to win while Bangladesh will hope that The 23-year-old left- by five wickets with seven balls Shakib Al Hasan recovers from handed opener had to to spare. a back strain that kept him out retire hurt after a ball by Bangladesh, who open their on Friday. Wood hit him on the World Cup campaign against Brief scores: West Indies elbow. South Africa at The Oval on 152-1 in 24 overs (Shai Hope 74, The incident took place June 2, ended the series with Sunil Ambris 69 not out) vs in the penultimate match four wins from as many com- Bangladesh 213-5 in 22.5 overs of the five-game series at pleted matches, beating Ireland Soumya got his side off to a wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim the left-arm seamer his first (Soumya Sarkar 66, Mosaddek Trent Bridge, when Imam once and the West Indies three flier with a 41-ball 66 at the top struck 36 before both were dis- one-day international scalps. Hossain 52 not out) Bangladesh missed an intended pull off times. of the order, while missed by Raymon Reifer, giving But all-rounder Mosaddek win by five wickets (DLS method) an 89 mile-per-hour (143 kilometres-per-hour) delivery from the Durham World Cup paceman. Roy ton helps England beat Pakistan Imam, fresh from his winners to get career-best 151 in the third ODI at Bristol on Tuesday, record $4m fell to the ground and by three wickets and clinch ODI series winced on the turf in prize money agony. REUTERS Imam, the nephew of NOTTINGHAM Pakistan great and chief AFP selector Inzamam-ul-Haq LONDON England’s Jason Roy hit a superb received several minutes’ century and Ben Stokes carried treatment before retiring The winners of the upcoming them home as they beat Pakistan hurt on three not out, with World Cup in England will by three wickets at Trent Bridge the tourists then nine receive a record $4m for lifting yesterday, surviving a middle- without loss in the fourth the trophy, the International order wobble to take an unas- over. Cricket Council announced sailable 3-0 lead in the series. He was taken to hos- yesterday. Babar Azam’s century helped pital but a Pakistan team In all a total of $10m is Pakistan reach a respectable spokesman said that scans on offer during the show- 340-7 in their 50 overs, yet once showed there were no piece men’s one-day inter- again a decent total proved inad- broken bones, with national tournament, which equate for the tourists as England England’s Jason Roy swelling on his left arm the starts later this month and wrapped up victory after a tense celebrates his century full extent of the injury. lasts 46 days. finale with three balls to spare. during the fourth One The fact his injury was As well as the champions’ Having hunted down a Day International (ODI) not as severe as first feared pay-out, each team that wins a 359-run target with ease in match against Pakistan at was confirmed when group stage match will receive Bristol in the third ODI, England Trent Bridge in Nottingham, Imam resumed his innings $40,000 (£31,000), with the steadily chipped away at Paki- yesterday. after Pakistan lost their losing semi-finalists collecting stan’s total with Roy leading the seventh wicket on 319 in $800,000 and the runners-up charge, bringing up his eighth the 48th over. banking $2m. ODI century in 75 balls. momentum ground to a halt as England, who will head into Hafeez 59, Fakhar Zaman 57; T He finished on six not Tournament hosts and At that point, the hosts they lost three further wickets the World Cup as favourites on Curran 4-75) England 341-7, out in a total of 340 for favourites England, bidding to looked set for another routine for another 15 runs with Jos home soil later this month, lead 49.3 overs (J Roy 114, B Stokes 71 seven. win the trophy for the first time, win on a ground where they had Buttler and Moeen Ali departing 3-0 heading into the fifth and no) Result: England won by World Cup hosts and will open the World Cup when twice scored more than 400 in for ducks. Stokes rode to the final ODI in on Sunday. three wickets tournament favourites they face South Africa at The the last three years. rescue, however, smacking 71 Brief scores Series: England lead five- England lead the five- Oval in south London on May Yet when Roy departed for not out off 64 balls, assisted by Pakistan 340-7, 50 overs match series 3-0 (1st ODI was a match series 2-0. 30. 114 with England on 201-2 their Tom Curran’s 31. (Babar Azam 115, Mohammad no-result due to rain) SATURDAY 18 MAY 2019 SPORT 19 Man City target treble amid UEFA probe

AFP spent much of the week pre- Manchester City’s Spanish manager Vincent Kompany after lifting LONDON ceding the Wembley showcase Pep Guardiola holds up the Premier the Premier League last responding to reports that they League trophy as he’s surrounded weekend. Manchester City are on the brink could be set for a season’s ban by his staff, in this May 12, 2019 Kompany could make his of a domestic treble, with only from the Champions League over file photo. final City appearance at Watford standing in their way in alleged breaches of financial fair Wembley with the Belgian’s con- today’s FA Cup final, but a poten- play rules. tract up in the summer and no tially historic season risks being The case was referred to new deal agreed as yet. overshadowed by several probes UEFA’s adjudicatory chamber on City won their fifth FA Cup into the club’s off-field conduct. Thursday to decide what in 2011, the first silverware since City became the first side in sanction, if any, should be Sheikh Mansour’s takeover, but a decade to retain the Premier imposed. City replied, saying will be wary of complacency League title last weekend, they were “disappointed, but after slipping up against Wigan holding off Liverpool by a single regrettably not surprised” by the at Wembley in 2013. point at the end of a thrilling race move from European football’s In contrast to City’s trophy- thanks to a run of 14 consecutive governing body. laden decade, Watford have league wins to end the season. Reports by German publi- never won a major trophy. Pep Guardiola’s men also cation Der Spiegel had alleged And despite losing twice to retained the League Cup in Feb- that City, bankrolled by Sheikh Guardiola’s men in the league ruary, the first leg of their Mansour, a member of Abu this season, Hornets boss Javi potential domestic clean sweep, Dhabi’s royal family, set up spon- Gracia, whose side mounted an which has never before been sorship deals to circumvent reg- impressive comeback to beat done in England. ulations limiting how much Wolves in the semi-final, is However, the club have money owners can put into a taking heart from both games. club. “I think it showed us it’s pos- However, that is not the only sible,” said the Spaniard. “We lost current investigation into City’s by an agent until the year they whether the investigations trophyless debut campaign in both games but I think we practices off the field. turn 16. threaten to taint his legacy at the England. showed that we can beat them. I’m desperate, England’s Football Associ- And the English champions club. However, a first-ever clean “We competed really well in ation said in February it was could be hit with a two-window “If we have made mistakes sweep of League Cup, Premier both games in different desperate, desperate investigating allegations that City transfer ban by FIFA over the we will be punished -- it is what League and FA Cup would give moments. In the first game we to win the FA Cup. You paid £200,000 ($256,000) to recruitment of foreign minors it is, on and off the pitch -- but this City side a claim to be the lost 2-1 but we competed until don’t even know how Borussia Dortmund winger and and alleged breaches of third- I’m pretty sure what we have best England has ever the end and had chances at the England international Jadon San- party ownership. done is incredible.” produced. end. In the second one we kept much it’s a priority: cho’s agent when the player was “I’m not too much concerned Guardiola’s side have “I’m desperate, desperate, the result until the second half Man City captain 14. or worried about what people smashed a host of records during desperate to win the FA Cup. and then they scored from an Vincent Kompany FA rules state that young say,” City boss Guardiola previ- his three-year spell in charge, You don’t even know how much offside position and the game players cannot be represented ously insisted when questioned despite a disappointing it’s a priority,” said City captain changed.” Liverpool favourites Neymar and Neres named in to win Champions Brazil squad for Copa America League, says Lineker

AP BRAZIL SQUAD Carbajal and Germany’s Lothar REUTERS image, while pointing out that RIO DE JANEIRO Matthaeus. LONDON Spurs need to invest to keep Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Ederson (Manchester City), Cassio (Corinthians) If Formiga plays in pace with the ambitions of boss Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Dani Alves (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos Neymar and David Neres are in she will also become the oldest Liverpool are overwhelming Mauricio Pochettino. (Paris Saint-Germain), Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), for the Copa America, Lucas to appear in a women’s World favourites to win the Champions “Klopp is a massively enthu- Fagner (Corinthians), Felipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Miranda (Inter Milan) Moura and Vinicius Jr. are out. Cup. League title when they face siastic, passionate man,” Lineker Midfielders: Allan (Napoli), Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Fernandinho Brazil coach Tite named his (Manchester City), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona) “She is one of the greatest Tottenham Hotspur in the final said.

squad yesterday for the South Strikers: David Neres (Ajax), Everton (Gremio), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Gabriel examples in the world, we in Madrid on June 1, former “This Liverpool side very American tournament, which Jesus (Manchester City), Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Richarlison (Everton) always joke she is not from this England striker and television much reflects his personality -- starts in Sao Paulo on June 14. planet,” coach Vadao said in pundit Gary Lineker has said. very dynamic, great energy. He’s As expected, Paris Saint- announcing the Lineker, who spent three clearly very intelligent, and he’s Germain striker Neymar was the BBrazilianrazilian soccer confeder-confeder- 41-year-old41-year-old midfielder Formiga squad.squad. “She is seasons at Spurs between 1989 a brilliant football man who included despite his recent ationn headquarters.headquarters. isis set to become the first plaplayer,yer, a referencereference and 1992, pointed to the shows his passion. injury problems and league sus- Brazil’sBrazil’s playersplayers will start male or female, to participateparticipate to us aandnd 26-point gap in the Premier “(Pochettino) is... clearly one pension for an altercation with gatheringering at the GranjaGranja ComarComaryy at seven World CupsCups after she there’sthere’s no League table between runners- of the best managers in world a fan. traininging ground outside Rio de waswas named in their squad on wayway wewe up Liverpool and his fourth- football, but (Spurs) do need Tite said Neymar made a Janeiroiro on Wednesday.Wednesday. TThehe ThursdayThursday fforor tthehe women’s tour-tour- could leaveleave placed former team as evidence investment, he’s said that to me mistake by getting involved in teamm willwill playplay ttwowo ffriendliesriendlies namentnament inin France.France. her out.out.”” of a massive gulf between the himself. He needs to be backed the altercation after PSG’s loss beforere the Copa America TheThe Paris St Germain sides. and I suspect if he’s not backed in the French Cup. The coach begins,ns, facingfacing Qatar on June 5 midfieldermidfielder currently “Overall, team against team, they’ll find it quite difficult to said he would have a private in Brasiliaasilia aandnd HHondurasonduras ffourour sharesshares thethe recordrecord ofof (Liverpool) have got the better keep hold of him.” conversation with the player days later in Porto Alegre.Alegre. playingplaying in six World players,” Lineker told The Times. Tottenham have not signed when they next meet. BrazilBrazil reacreachedhed tthehe quartquarter-er- CupsCups witwithh Homare “They finished 20-odd anyone in the last two transfer Tite also refused to say finalss at lastlast year’s WorldWorld Cup Sawa,Sawa, whowho ledled points ahead of Tottenham this windows with the club being whether Neymar will remain but lostost to Belgium.Belgium. One ooff thethe Japan’sJapan’s women to season so it’s hard to make a forced to keep a tight lid on the team captain during the mostt criticisedcriticised pplayerslayers ofof thatthat theirtheir 22011011 WWorldorld case where Tottenham are spending following their move tournament. team,m, mimidfielderdfielder FernanFernandinho,dinho, Cup triumph.triumph. favourites. to a new stadium. “I understand your ques- has alsoalso returnedreturned to thethe squadsquad InIn tthehe men’s “But, as we know in football, Pochettino, on his part, has tions, but I will speak to Neymar for Copaopa AmericaAmerica.. tournament,tournament, the best teams don’t always win, hinted he could leave if Spurs first. Not on the phone, per- TheThe Brazilians,Brazilians, wwhoho lastlast threethree playersplayers which is one of the things that are unable to challenge for the sonally. And I will not speak won the contcontinentalinental titltitlee in havehave playedplayed in makes it so special.” biggest titles due to a lack of about this for now because I 2007,7, wiwillll pplaylay in Group A witwithh fivefive WorldWorld CupsCups Neymar The 58-year-old also praised investment, which would be a will speak to Neymar before I Bolivia,via, Peru and Venezuela. -- Mexico’sMexico’s RafaelRafael Liverpool manager Juergen massive blow for the club he has speak to you,” the coach said at Meanwhile,Meanwhile, Brazil’s MarquezMarquez and Antonio Klopp (pictured) for successfully guided to four consecutive top- creating a team in his own four Premier League finishes. Curry stars as Warriors secure 2-0 lead

AFP quarter to haul themselves Stephen Curry scores 37 points as Warriors helped us. We’ve done this SAN FRANCISCO back into the contest but fought back to defeat the Portland Trail a few times before. But we Portland, led by Damian Blazers 114-111 and take a 2-0 lead in their stole it tonight for sure. Stephen Curry scored 37 Lillard, refused to roll over. NBA Western Conference finals series. They outplayed us.” points as the Golden State A Meyers Leonard Kerr said the Warriors Warriors fought back to three-pointer put Portland had been expecting a defeat the Portland Trail eight points clear late in the swinging,” Curry said. 24 points while Green fin- backlash from Portland Blazers 114-111 and take a fourth but Curry then “They gave us a great ished with 16 points. following their win in 2-0 lead in their NBA seized control. punishing. That third Looney (14 points) and Game 1 on Tuesday. Western Conference finals Three nerveless free quarter was unbelievable. Jordan Bell (11) also “They’ve had two days series on Thursday. throws from Curry edged It was a true testament of cracked double digits. to stew on the first game Curry sparked a 14-3 Golden State into a 110-108 everyone on the team.” Warriors coach Steve and make their adjust- run for the Warriors as the lead, before a three- It was another huge Kerr admitted that his ments. So we knew it was NBA champions over- pointer for Portland from performance from Curry, team, who are chasing a coming,” Kerr said. “We turned a 108-100 deficit Curry’s younger brother who has stepped into the third straight NBA cham- didn’t find our edge until with just over four minutes Seth made it 111-110 for the void created by Kevin pionship this season and a the third quarter. But the remaining in a pulsating visitors. Durant’s injury absence to fourth in five seasons, had NBA game is a long, long battle at the Oracle Arena. Kevon Looney’s alley- deliver back-to-back been fortunate to escape game. Earlier, the Trail oop dunk shot put Golden 30-point games in the with the win. “And with our team we Blazers had surged into a State back in front at opening two games of the “We stole that game,” always feel like we have a 17-point early in the 112-111 with 52 seconds series. a relieved Kerr said. chance. And we kept second half only for the remaining before a Curry finished with 37 “I thought they out- playing tonight and we got Warriors to hit back with Draymond Green layup points from 11 of 22 played us for much of the it done.” a sustained points with 12 seconds left effec- shooting, adding eight night, the majority of the Lillard led the scoring Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry shoots the onslaught. tively sealed the win. rebounds, eight assists and night. But we’ve been here for Portland with 23 points basketball against Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian The Warriors erupted “We knew they were six turnovers. before. while CJ McCollum added for 39 points in the third going to come out Klay Thompson added “I think our experience 22 points. Lillard on Thursday.